Aontú Senator Sarah O’Reilly has welcomed news that survivors of institutional abuse have ended their hunger strike outside the Dáil following a breakthrough in talks with the Government.
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Senator O’Reilly said she is “deeply relieved and delighted that this long and difficult protest has finally come to an end. These people have shown immense courage, strength and dignity in the face of unimaginable hardship. Their determination has moved people across the country and forced the State to listen.”
She continued, “I had the privilege of meeting with them personally during their hunger strike and raised their issue in the Seanad on numerous occasions. I was concerned initially that the group weren’t being taken seriously as they had to wait weeks before any real movement from the Government.”
Senator O’Reilly said the resolution must mark a turning point in how the State engages with survivors.
“This cannot just be the end of a hunger strike; it must be the beginning of real justice. The Government must now follow through on its promises and deliver for these survivors after their lengthy and dedicated hunger strike”
